Isometric Back, Neck, and Spine Exercise Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An isometric exercise device has two handles and surfaces adapted for interaction with a user&#39;s head and/or neck to provide resistance to generally upward or downward movement or force from the user&#39;s head. The device can be used to perform a wide variety of back and neck exercises.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/626,506 filed on Feb. 5, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to neck exercise equipment. More particularly, it relates to a device for performing isometric back, neck, and spine exercises.

2. Related Art

Many individuals suffer from back, neck, and spine pain and/or stiffness. This is commonly treated with oral or topical pain relief medications that provide only temporary relief and do not address the underlying causes. The back, neck, and spine are also highly susceptible to injuries due to collisions or participation in contact sports such as wrestling and football.

“Isometric exercise” refers to a form of exercise in which the joint angle and muscle lengths do not change during muscle contractions. Isometric exercises are done in a static position. Isometric exercises rely entirely on the individual's muscles to provide the resistance rather than relying on mechanical devices such as weights or elastics. With isometric exercises, the subject can safely give 100 percent effort even as energy and strength are depleted allowing longer exercise times.

A better method for addressing the root cause of back, neck, and spine ailments is exercise that strengthens back, neck, and core body muscles improving alignment and posture. Improving neck muscle conditioning and strength by exercising also reduces the likelihood of head and neck injury. Back and neck exercises must be carefully undertaken because of the potential for severe, crippling effects from a spine injury. One safe and effective method for strengthening back, neck, and spine muscles is isometric exercise.

Most traditional back, neck, and spine exercise devices are bulky and difficult to use. They often utilize weights, chains, pulleys, springs, elastic bands, and the like. Many also require attachment to a wall. Because of the bulk and complexity, such devices are generally only found in gyms, rehabilitation centers, or similar therapeutic centers. They are also difficult to transport and setup in a new location and require a large space to operate.

Outline of Basic & Other Advantageous Features

It would be desirable to provide a neck exercise apparatus, or the like, of a type disclosed in the present application that includes any one or more of these or other advantageous features:

-   -   A simple and portable back, neck, and spine exercise apparatus;     -   A safe and effective apparatus for performing isometric back,         neck, and spine exercises; and     -   An isometric back, neck, and spine exercise apparatus that also         facilitates isometric upper torso exercise.

These and other features and advantages of various embodiments of systems and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of various devices, structures, and/or methods according to the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment relates to an isometric spine exercise device, comprising a body, a hand grip to the left of the body, a hand grip to the right of the body, an upward facing surface above the body, and a downward facing surface above the upward facing surface.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to an isometric spine exercise device, comprising a base, one or more first supports extending above the base, an upward facing surface attached to the supports above the supports, two handles, each attached to opposite sides of the base and supports, and a downward facing surface above the upward facing surface attached to one or more second supports attached to the base and/or the first supports.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to an isometric spine exercise device, comprising a base, an oxbow arch comprising at least two supports connected by a bridge attached to and rising above the base, a pair of handles on the base to either side of the arch, an upward facing surface on the top of the bridge, and a downward facing surface on the bottom of the bridge.

These and other features and advantages of various embodiments of systems and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of various devices, structures, and/or methods according to the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods according to the present disclosure will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a back, neck, and spine exercise apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a person using head support of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a person using the head restraint of the embodiment of FIG. 1

FIG. 6 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of a back, neck, and spine exercise apparatus according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a person using head support of the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a person using the head restraint of the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a third exemplary embodiment of a back, neck, and spine exercise apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a front plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a person using head restraint of the embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a person using the head restraint of the embodiment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a side view of a person using the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an alternative exercise position;

FIG. 17 is a side view of a person using the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an alternative exercise position;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a person using the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an alternative exercise position; and

FIG. 19 is a side view of a person using the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an alternative exercise position.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment of a back, neck, and spine exercise apparatus 100 includes a base 102 supporting vertical members 104. The vertical members support an upward facing surface 106. The upward facing support 106 is adapted for a user to place his head thereupon and provide resistance to downward force from the user. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the upward facing surface 106 is a pneumatically pressurized cushion. It should be appreciated that the upward facing surface 106 may be any of a variety of pads, cushions, or other surfaces known in the art.

Two handles 108 are located one each to either side of the first vertical support members 104. The handles 108 are positioned for convenient and comfortable use for gripping while performing exercises. Although the handles 108 are shown as simple cylinders, it should be appreciated that other shapes including those adapted for fitting hands may be used. It should also be appreciated that the handles 108 may include a surface material adapted for better comfort and/or grip. Many such materials are known in the art.

A downward facing surface 110 is located or adapted for location above the first vertical support members 104. The downward facing surface 110 is adapted for a user to place their head and/or neck against it and provide resistance to upward force by the user. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the downward facing surface 110 comprises a strap 112 connected to the first vertical support members 104. In this embodiment, the strap 112 has an adjustable length. In other embodiments, the downward facing surface 110 may be supported above the exercise device 100 by a rigid structure such as an arch or oxbow. It should be appreciated that the downward facing surface 110 may be any of a variety of pads, cushions, or other surfaces known in the art. The strap 112 may also be used to more readily transport the apparatus 100.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the first vertical support members 104 form a containment space with a generally rectangular cross-section. This space is adapted to contain an inflatable tire tube 114 wherein a portion of the tube 114 extends above the space to form the upward facing surface 108.

In other embodiments, the upward facing surface 106 may be supported by one or more vertical support posts. In some embodiments, the upward facing surface 106 and downward facing surface 110 are supported on a single structure, such as an arch or oxbow supported by the base 102. In such an embodiment, the upward facing surface 106 is located on the top side of the support structure and the downward facing surface 110 is located on the bottom side of the support structure.

In a preferred embodiment, the height of the upward facing surface 106 and/or downward facing surface 110 may be adjusted up or down as desired by the user for proper positioning for any desired exercise. Various methods and mechanisms, such as telescoping pieces, may be used to provide this functionality. Although the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is shown with the various components fixedly attached together, some components may be detachable or pivotally attached for more convenient and compact storage or transportation.

Although the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 is made primarily of wood, any appropriate material or combination of materials including, but not limited to, polymers, rubbers, and metals. It should be appreciated that the exercise positions shown in FIGS. 4-13 are exemplary only and not a complete listing of all possible positions or exercise for which exercise apparatus 100 may be use.

Referring to FIGS. 6-10, an embodiment of a back, neck, and spine exercise apparatus 300 includes a base 302 supporting first vertical support members 304 and bridge 316. In various embodiments, the first vertical support members 304 and bridge 316 form a generally arched and/or oxbow shape. Bridge 316 further comprises upward facing surface 306 and downward facing surface 310. In some embodiments of exercise apparatus, upward facing surface 306 and downward facing surface 310 are a single continuous surface encircling the circumference of bridge 316. Two handles 308 are located one each to either side of the first vertical support members 304. The handles 308 are positioned for convenient and comfortable use for gripping while performing exercises.

In a preferred embodiment, the height of the upward facing surface 306 and/or downward facing surface 310 may be adjusted up or down, preferably by adjusting the length of first vertical support members 304, as desired by the user for proper positioning for any desired exercise. Various methods and mechanisms, such as telescoping pieces, may be used to provide this functionality. Although the embodiment of FIGS. 6-10 is shown with the various components fixedly attached together, some components may be detachable or pivotally attached for more convenient and compact storage or transportation.

Referring to FIGS. 11-15, an embodiment of a back, neck, and spine exercise apparatus 200 includes a base 202 and first vertical support members 204. An upward facing surface 206 is attached above the first vertical support members 204. The upward facing support 206 is adapted for a user to place his head thereupon and provide resistance to downward force from the user. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the upward facing surface 106 is a pneumatically pressurized cushion. It should be appreciated that the upward facing surface 206 may be any of a variety of pads, cushions, or other surfaces known in the art.

Two handles 208 are located one each to either side of the vertical support members 204. The handles 208 are positioned for convenient and comfortable use for gripping while performing exercises. Although the handles 208 are shown as simple cylinders, it should be appreciated that other shapes including those adapted for fitting hands may be used. It should also be appreciated that the handles 208 may include a surface material adapted for better comfort and/or grip. Many such materials are known in the art.

Second vertical supports 218 attached to the first vertical support members 204 support a bridge 216 above the upward facing surface 206. A downward facing surface 210 is located on the bridge 216. The downward facing surface 210 is adapted for a user to place their head against it and provide resistance to upward force by the user. It should be appreciated that the downward facing surface 210 may be any of a variety of pads, cushions, or other surfaces known in the art. In some embodiments, a handle 220 or other attachment, such as the strap 112 shown in FIGS. 1-5, provides for more convenient carrying of the apparatus 200. Although the embodiment of FIGS. 11-15 is shown with the various components fixedly attached together, some components may be detachable or pivotally attached for more convenient and compact storage or transportation.

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate a person performing isometric back and/or neck exercises in a variety of body positions. These exercise positions are given by way of example and do not represent all of the various positions or alternatives available to a user. In some exercise positions, the user may hold the handles without their head or neck in contact with the device. These and similar exercise positions can be used to strengthen back muscles and improve alignment to treat a variety of painful back issues.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., “top” and “bottom”) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.

It should be appreciated that the construction and arrangement of the apparatus, as shown in the various exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. While the apparatus, according to this invention, has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, according to this invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the description provided above is intended to embrace all known or later-developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An isometric spine exercise device, comprising: a base; a hand grip to the left of the base; a hand grip to the right of the base; an upward facing surface above the base supported by one or more first vertical support members attached to the base; and a downward facing surface above the upward facing surface.
 2. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 1 wherein the upward facing surface is a padded generally horizontal surface.
 3. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 1 wherein the downward facing surface is a strap connected to the body adapted to be raised above the body.
 4. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 1 wherein the distance of the upward facing surface from the bottom of the body is adjustable.
 5. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 1 wherein the upward facing surface is an air cushion.
 6. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 1 wherein the downward facing surface is part of a generally oxbow-shaped bridge attached to the body.
 7. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 1 wherein the body defines a space adapted to contain an air cushion.
 8. An isometric spine exercise device, comprising: a base; one or more first vertical support members extending above the base; an upward facing surface attached to the first vertical support members above the first vertical support members; two handles, each attached to opposite sides of the base and first vertical support members; and a downward facing surface above the upward facing surface attached to one or more second vertical support members attached to the base and/or the first vertical support members.
 9. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 8 wherein the upward facing surface is a padded generally horizontal surface.
 10. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 1 wherein the downward facing surface is a strap connected to the body adapted to be raised above the body.
 11. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 8 wherein the distance of the upward facing surface from the bottom of the body is adjustable.
 12. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 8 wherein the upward facing surface is an air cushion.
 13. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 8 wherein the downward facing surface is part of a generally oxbow-shaped bridge attached to the body.
 14. An isometric spine exercise device, comprising: a base; at least two first vertical support members connected by a bridge attached to and rising above the base; a pair of handles on the base to either side of the arch; an upward facing surface on the top of the bridge; and a downward facing surface on the bottom of the bridge.
 15. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 14 wherein the upward facing surface is a padded generally horizontal surface.
 16. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 14 wherein the downward facing surface is a strap connected to the body adapted to be raised above the body.
 17. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 14 wherein the distance of the upward facing surface from the bottom of the body is adjustable.
 18. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 14 wherein the upward facing surface is an air cushion.
 19. The isometric spine exercise device of claim 14 wherein the downward facing surface is part of a generally oxbow-shaped bridge attached to the body. 